Who needs to register and how to register your food business
Who needs to register?
Registration of your food business is free and applies to most businesses. You should complete this 28 days before you begin trading.
You'll need to register your business if you:
- prepare or sell food or drink (this includes where all food is pre-packed)
- store and distribute food
- are a mobile catering vehicle or market stall (you need to register where you store the food and vehicle)
- prepare food or drink at home as part of your business (for example, cupcakes or celebration cakes)
If you have multiple premises or catering vehicles, you'll need to register each one.
Who doesn't need to register?
You won't need to register if you:
- are engaged in farming activities
- supply only small quantities of farmed products (for example eggs, honey, fruit & veg) to the final consumer
- only have vending machines
How can I register?
To register your food business; you'll need to know:
- your business name and location
- how many people will be working for the business
- the nature of the business
If you're unable to apply online you can download our paper application form.
What we do with your information?
We have to maintain a list of registered food businesses within our borough. We have to make this list available for inspection by the public if they ask. The list will contain the name, address and type of food business only.
Changes you need to tell us
You must tell us if your business closes, or if there is a:
- change of business activity (for example caterer to manufacturer)
- change of food business operator
- change of address for the food business operator, or where you store your mobile food vehicle
It's an offence to give false or incomplete information. It's your responsibility to register and notify us of any changes.
Further information
If you need advice on how best to set up your business, please visit our Environmental health business support page.